Sleds and SleighsBy Mark Chervenka

Sleds and Sleighs

Fig. 1 Rivets are illogically placed on the bottoms of new sleigh runners. The rivet heads would wear off with use. No vintage sleigh runners are constructed in this manner.

Fig. 2 New toy sled. Painted plank wood seat. About 10x16"; available in several sizes.

Fig. 3 New sleds made with a wicker body. All wicker sleds are fantasy items-- no original antique sleds made for use in cold weather were made of wicker. The new wicker sleds are made in several sizes from doll to child size.

Fig. 4 New sled with human figure carved in front. Available in several sizes: 61- 33- and 22-inch lengths.

Fig. 5 New carved wood sleigh. Sold in at least three sizes: 56- 27- and 23-inch lengths.

Old

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Figs. 6-7 Original children's sleds, or cutters, were typically made of painted solid wood. The runners are usually fastened to the braces with spot welds. The braces in turn are usually fastened to the body with screws or nuts and bolts. The typical examples shown in Fig. 7 were taken from a 1912 toy catalog. Both are child sized and sturdily built to support the weight of a child as the sled is pushed through snow.